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Ivory Lodge, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
At a Glance...
Style: Rustic traditional bush camp
Our opinion: It's more about the experience than the accommodation, which is 3 star
Accommodation: 7 chalets (includes one family chalet with 2 double beds and a honeymoon chalet)
And the kids? All ages welcome. Families with children under the age of 5 must book sole use of a vehicle
Activities: Morning and late afternoon game drives, bush walks and a visit to the Wild Dog Research Project
Season: Open year round
Highlights: Wild, open, close to nature; Great lion sightings; Get up close to the Presidential Elephant Herd
Located on the Hwange Estate bordering Hwange National Park
Ivory Lodge is a small traditional bush camp situated within a 6000 acre private concession on the Hwange Estate which incorporates the Dete Vlei and borders the Main Camp section of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest national park.
Set into the tree line of a teak forest are seven rustic wooden chalets that are elevated high off the ground. With a sweeping view over the floodlit water hotel in front of camp each open fronted chalet has an en suite shower and toilet. One chalet is furnished with two double beds, bath tub, separate shower and toilet and is used as either a honeymoon or family chalet.
The thatched open sided central dining area, bar and library are set around a small swimming pool which is a welcome haven from the mid-day heat. Bush cuisine offers campfire barbeques under a blanket of stars. Fitted with spotting scope and binoculars the hide out next to the waterhole is a refuge where a heightened wildlife experience and great photographic opportunities are within a stone's throw away. Winter evenings are spent around the boma area - a log fire 'star gazing pit' which has a direct view to the floodlit pan, so nothing goes unseen.
Hwange National Park has always been a great place to visit for a broad range of safari experiences as its diverse habitats attract a variety of wildlife and birdlife. In fact the park has among the highest diversity of mammals for any national park in the world. Despite the extremely difficult times in Zimbabwe during the last decade or so one can still experience some great game viewing when staying at Ivory Lodge as lion, elephant leopard and buffalo may be spotted from camp as well as in the park. Large herds of elephants migrate between Botswana and Hwange and herds of up to 50 strong may be spotted drinking and cooling off at Ivory's water hole. It is also here that members of the famous Presidential Herd come to drink. Although totally wild the Presidential Herd, have over the years become very calm and trusting of people and are particularly habituated to vehicles. This is one very special herd of elephants!
Ivory Lodge is perfect for those looking for a wild, open, close to nature safari experience. Activities are varied and include morning and afternoon game drives which take place either on Ivory Lodge's concession or in Hwange National Park. Walking safaris and night drives are conducted within the concession. A highlight is a visit to the nearby Wild Dog Research Project which deals with the conservation and management of the wild dog in Hwange.
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